Hitting back at the Congress party for its criticism against the AINRC-BJP alliance government on issues related to the functioning of resto bars in Puducherry, BJP president V. P. Ramalingam said the previous Congress government too had promoted resto bars in the Union Territory.

Addressing a press conference for the first time after taking over the reigns of BJP’s Puducherry unit, Mr. Ramalingam said the recent murder of a college student at a resto bar was an unfortunate incident. 

The police have taken action in the murder case and permits issued to 13 resto bars have been cancelled after the murder following complaints of violation of rules by the liquor outlets. The BJP would offer its support if the Chief Minister initiated steps to control the functioning of bars near educational institutions and religious places, he said.

“The licences were given as part of activities for tourism promotion but if there was a necessity to regulate the functioning of resto bars, the party would extend its support to the move. The former Chief Minister and Congress leader, V. Narayanasamy, has no right to criticise our government as permits to start resto bars were given by the Congress government too. The people of the Union Territory are well aware of the functioning of the Congress government and they are not going to vote for the party in the upcoming election,” he said.

The newly-appointed BJP spokesperson, Arul Murugan, who was present at the press conference, added that four licences had been issued, including to a former Congress MLA, when Mr. Narayanasamy was the Chief Minister.

To a question on reports of strain in the BJP’s alliance with the AINRC, Mr. Ramalingam said the alliance would continue beyond the next Assembly election. “There was no problem in the alliance and the Chief Minister has not complained of anything,” he noted.

On the AIADMK’s charge that BJP leaders were distributing welfare assistance in constituencies from where the AINRC and the AIADMK candidates contested during the last Assembly poll, the BJP president said every party would work towards strengthening its base. “But once the candidates are announced by the alliance leaders, all will work together for the candidate. Strengthening of all allies in every constituency will ensure victory of the alliance,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the BJP took out a rally in the town as part of ‘Har Ghar Tiranga,’ ahead of Independence Day celebrations. The party would organise various programmes to instil patriotism in the minds of the people till August 15. 

Published - August 12, 2025 08:56 pm IST